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@Kotishka said:
Rising early, following the precepts, sitting daily, being quiet when necessary, and speaking with right speech and intention when required—this takes time and development. Once, I believed this brought a much-needed sense of discipline, but in my case, it has been life’s punches that revealed how foolish I was for not following them sooner.

Perhaps discipline and awareness can prevent such unnecessary suffering. Once you truly see it, it’s not as easy to fall back. Still, I cannot forget that the flaws in my character can reignite like dry tumbleweeds quite easily. Thus, the precepts and sitting are non-negotiable.

Discipline is the catalyst for the acceptance of change.
It is discipline that brings one to the cushion.
It is discipline that keeps one seated, even when every part wants to rise.
It is discipline that gives awareness the freedom to roam.
And it is disciplined awareness that remains open to change.

It's related to thinking about the paramitas recently for me. Sila is similar to discipline in that you say/vow you're going to do something and then you do it. And why do you meditate? For your own and others wellbeing? That's generosity maybe or Dhana. And having decided that meditation is virtuous you hit a wall of resistance maybe. So do you wait for the wall to disappear? Or do you meditate working through the wall? That would be Kshanti or perseverance.

Motivation to develop positive habits and refrain from habits that harm us, for me at least, have come largely from experience. I see the results from different behaviors, when that sinks in, the need for discipline fades and my motivation to do or avoid becomes easier. It takes discipline to gain experience though, trying to convince myself cognitively helps but generally doesn't get it done.

Rising early, following the precepts, sitting daily, being quiet when necessary, and speaking with right speech and intention when required—this takes time and development. Once, I believed this brought a much-needed sense of discipline, but in my case, it has been life’s punches that revealed how foolish I was for not following them sooner.

Perhaps discipline and awareness can prevent such unnecessary suffering. Once you truly see it, it’s not as easy to fall back. Still, I cannot forget that the flaws in my character can reignite like dry tumbleweeds quite easily. Thus, the precepts and sitting are non-negotiable.